Tag: packing supplies

It’s T-minus one month to moving day. You may think that is plenty of time to get everything done, it will fly by at warp speed. To accomplish all moving-related tasks before the moving truck arrives, follow our useful checklist. Continue reading “Must-use checklist for a quick move”

Being a college student can be a lot of fun. But it can also be a lot of work. With classes to attend, papers to write, books to read and jobs to go to – college is full of stress. What can make it even more stressful is if you have to move to a new home in the middle of it. When will you have time to squeeze moving into your already jam-packed schedule? Here are some tips to follow to help make your student move easy and organized.

Make a moving checklist. If you haven’t yet adopted the habit of making checklists to keep your head on straight during a busy time, doing so during a move is a great time to start. Making a checklist is the ultimate way to help organize your time and ensure you don’t forget to do any of the important tasks you need to complete. When creating your moving checklist, describe in detail everything that needs to be done before, during and after your move. Include a time frame for each task and ensure you follow it precisely.

Don’t move unnecessary items. The longer you live somewhere, the more items you accumulate. If you take a look at everything you own, there are probably a few things you don’t need or want anymore. To make your move easier, it’s a good idea to leave behind or get rid of any unnecessary items. You may also consider donating your unwanted items – old clothes or books – to charity. Not only will doing so save you lots of valuable time, but you will also be doing something good for someone else.

Get help. No matter how big or small a move is, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to tackle it all on your own. As much as you may hate to ask someone to help you move, it’s something you will definitely have to do. So round up some friends – or family if they’re nearby – to lend a hand. Put some people in charge of packing and labeling and others in charge of the heavy lifting. The more help you have, the easier, faster and more successful your move will be.

Collect packing supplies. Moving to a new place is impossible without packing supplies, so be sure to gather the must-have essentials before beginning to pack. If you are moving on a dime, try and find free supplies. First, look around your current home for any boxes or containers that you already have. Next, ask friends and local businesses if they have any supplies you can have. If you are willing to spend some cash on moving supplies, then check with local moving companies. Yes, buying supplies will add to the overall cost of your move, but having the proper boxes (and other supplies) will save you a lot of time and trouble in the end.

Label all boxes and containers. When packing up your belongings, it is very important to label all boxes and containers as you go. If you avoid this important step, unpacking post-move will be a nightmare. How exactly will you find specific items if you have 50 moving boxes that all look almost exactly the same? There are many ways to label your boxes, like listing their contents or destination room or with specialized words like “fragile” or “this side up.” For more tips on labeling, click here.

Start packing early. In order to make your move as calm and efficient as possible, the best thing to do is start the moving process early. Moving is a very stressful time, so if possible, start packing at least two to three weeks before your move.

One last thing. Another important thing to do when preparing for a move is to go over your plans with everyone involved. This will ensure everyone is on the same page and will help things run smoothly come moving day.

When you think of moving to a new home, what words come to mind? If you’re like most who have gone through the process of a home move, you probably think of words like chaos, disorganization and stress. It’s not that moving to a new home is all bad. In fact, it can actually be a very exciting time in one’s life. The problem is that there are a lot of details involved in order to orchestrate and conduct a move. From finding a new place to live, to packing, cleaning and buying supplies, there is a great deal to organize if you want to get from Point A to Point B successfully.

Luckily, your moving preparations don’t have to be disorganized, chaotic or stressful. How, you ask? One way is to devise a smart and foolproof labeling system for packing. Below you will find our top tips for labeling moving boxes for an upcoming move.

Create a Color-Code System

We previously mentioned a color-code system. Now we will discuss in full what this is and how it works. So here goes! The best way to label moving boxes is to create and use a color-coding system. Here’s an example:

Say you choose the color blue to mean bedroom. You will use either a blue marker or blue tape to label all boxes that are packed with items from your bedroom. Come moving day, you will know to take all boxes labeled with blue to the bedroom until they can later be unpacked.

How will others, like friends and movers, understand your color-coding system? A good way to keep them informed is to place colored pieces of paper on the doors of your new home that match the color-code on your boxes. For example, for bedroom boxes labeled with blue, place a blue piece of paper over that specific bedroom door.

Create a Number Labeling System

Are you into numbers more than colors? No problem! Another great labeling technique you can use is a number labeling system. The purpose of using numbers to mark your moving boxes is to designate a certain number to each container. Then, you create a master inventory checklist that includes the contents located in each numbered box.

For example: If Box #1 includes a coffee maker, toaster and blender, each of these items will be listed under Box #1 on your inventory checklist. Then, on the box, you will write “#1”.

The key to using a number labeling system is to ensure you don’t lose the master inventory checklist. So print several copies and also email it to yourself and even to a friend for extra backup.

Gather Labeling Supplies

One of the keys to successfully pack for a move is to have the proper supplies to get the job done. While the most obvious supplies you’ll need are things like cardboard moving boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and tape, you will also need labeling supplies:

Quality Markers. One of the most important labeling supplies to have are markers (have several on hand!). Unlike ordinary pens, markers are the best choice. When shopping for markers, keep these things in mind:

Color.Using markers of different colors will allow you to color-code each box based on the room it belongs in. This will make moving day, and unpacking, much more organized.

Quality.With moving costs exploding around you, it can be tempting to cut costs on things like markers. But this is a definite mistake, as they are more likely to run out of ink faster and not show up as well.

Permanent and Waterproof.Moving day comes with a big list of what-ifs. What if it rains? What if something leaks? Problems like these can cause labels to smudge and smear. This is why using permanent and waterproof markers when labeling your moving boxes is a must.

Labels. If you prefer to have sticky labels that you write on, you can find downloadable and ready-to-use printable moving box labels on the Internet. You can also purchase labels from a local moving company. These labels will include the names of different rooms on them so you won’t even have to write on them.

Colored Tape. While packing your belongings, you will have lots of clear packing tape on hand. But this won’t work for labeling! To label your boxes, you will need to purchase colored tape. This way, you can enhance your labeling system and make box notification easier.

Label Boxes Correctly

There are, of course, no serious rules to follow when it comes to labeling your moving boxes. You are a unique individual, after all, and can label them whichever way you choose. But we do have a few proven techniques to share with you to help make labeling an easy and organized success.

Choose a labeling method that works best for you. Then, label the top and two sides of each moving box. Be sure your writing is legible. It should also be visible on at least one side, even when boxes are stacked one on top of the other.

Attach moving labels to your boxes then place clear packing tape over them. This way labels won’t fall of or get torn or wet during transportation.

Label boxes that require extra care with words like “Fragile”, “Breakable” or “Handle with Care”.

When you think about all of the rooms in your home that you will need to pack up for an upcoming move, the bathroom probably falls toward the bottom of the list. As one of the smallest areas in your home, it makes sense. There are not as many items to pack, and everything is typically small. But before you wait until the very last minute to pack your bathroom(s), be aware that it does take some organization and time to get the job done. Like most who are in the process of packing for a move, you probably want to get it done as fast and efficiently as possible. Here are some tips to make packing your bathroom easy, organized and quick.

Essentials

During the first few days after your move, your home will be a messy maze of boxes – some unpacked, some not. This will make it hard to find specific items that you need access to on a daily basis. To eliminate irritation and stress the first week post-move, it’s a good idea to pack a box specifically for essentials. Items you will want to include in this box are cosmetics, medications and bathroom items such as your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and toilet paper.

Cosmetics and Medicines

Cosmetics and medicines are two things that should be sorted before packing them. Throw away anything that has expired or shows a change in color, consistency or smell. Since you don’t want to consume or use these items on your body when they are in that condition, there is no reason to waste time packing them to take with you.

A good thing to remember about cosmetics is that many cosmetics melt (e.g., lipstick and eyeliner pencils). To avoid a pile of melted and unusable makeup, don’t pack them inside an over-heated moving truck. Instead, it is best to keep these items with you during the move.

Liquids

From shampoos and conditioners to soaps and lotions, your bathroom houses a lot of liquids. Before simply throwing these items into a box, sort through them. More than likely, you will find many bottles of lotions or fancy gift soaps that you never have and never will use. Go ahead and throw these liquid items away. Doing so will leave you with time to focus on more important things.

You also need to pack liquid items the right way. Otherwise, you risk a messy disaster! So how do you pack these items correctly?

Ensure all tops are properly closed.

Wrap packing tape around all caps and lids.

Place all liquid items inside sealable plastic bags. This will ensure that if a leak occurs, it won’t cause damage to other items. This is an especially good idea if you are packing expensive items.

When all liquid items are fully secured, pack them in cardboard boxes and securely tape it closed.

Fragile Items

For any fragile items in your bathroom (e.g., mirrors), take extra safety precautions when packing. Wrap each item individually in bubble wrap and use tape to secure it. Then place the items inside a sturdy cardboard box and fill any empty space with packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper. The goal here is to eliminate movement inside the box so nothing becomes damaged during transport.

Soft, Unbreakable Items

The easiest items in your bathroom to pack will be those that are soft and unbreakable – towels, linens, shower curtain, and so on. For these belongings, fold and place them inside a sturdy and protective plastic bag or inside a cardboard box. To keep your towels and linens fresh during your move, try putting a dryer sheet inside the bag or box you pack them in.

More Helpful Tips

Use small boxes.

Don’t pack boxes too heavy or they may break under the weight.

Use toiletry bags for makeup and hair accessories.

Line boxes with linens to create a protective cushion for items you intend to pack inside. Using linens and other soft bathroom items, like towels, will save you money on supplies like packing paper and packing peanuts.

Don’t throw away hazardous materials (medicines, paints, chemicals) in the trashcan or toilet. They are dangerous to the environment and need to be disposed of the correct way. To learn how, contact your local recycling center or nearest Environmental Protection Agency.

Don’t have time to spend on packing? Then you can always hire professional movers to tackle the job for you. Professional movers know how to pack every room in your house – including the bathroom – so contact a local and reputable moving company for advice and cost estimates about your upcoming move.

During the stressful and chaotic process of moving house, packing books isn’t typically put on the high-priority list of things to get done. It’s understandable. Packing books, after all, is much easier than packing, say, a kitchen that is full of breakable items. But while books require a less tedious packing process than some other belongings, you don’t just want to throw them in a box and hope for the best. Instead, you need to know the basic principles and safety rules of packing them to ensure they make it to your new home unharmed. To prevent damage to your favorite reads and to prolong their shelf life, here are some simple steps to follow when packing your book collection.

Step 1: Sort.

A handful of books may not seem like much weight. But the more books you cram into a box, the heavier the load will become. The number one problem people make when packing books for a move is putting too many in one box. This can cause many problems on moving day, such as personal injury or a box breaking. The biggest problem, though, is this: The final price of your move is based on the total weight of your shipment. This means that the heavier your boxes are, the more costly your move will be.

So consider this: Do you really need to take every book you own? If you take the time to go through your book collection, you will most likely come across many that you no longer want or feel the desire to hold onto. Consider giving these books to a friend who loves to read, or donating them to a library, school or charity shop. You can also recycle any paperbacks that are too worn-out or damaged to be given away.

Step 2: Gather Supplies.

In order to pack your books, you will need to have the right packing supplies to avoid any damage during transport. Here’s what you’ll need:

Book boxes. Wimpy boxes won’t work when packing your books, so you’ll need to collect book boxes that can handle the job. Book boxes are

Strong, because they are made out of thick cardboard.

Small-medium in size (20” x 11” x 11”).

Clean, dry and free of pre-existing damage.

Packing paper. Soft packing paper is a must-have supply when packing your book collection. Use it to separate rows of books arranged inside your boxes and to fill empty spots to prevent rattling during shipment.

Packing tape. Heavy boxes have an increased risk of breaking. This is why strong, high-quality packing tape is so important. You will need to use it to seal your boxes, but also to provide additional reinforcement on their bottom and sides.

Permanent marker. Be sure to use a permanent marker to label each box of books. This will make things easier when arriving at your new home.

Step 3: Pack them.

When packing your books, there are three different methods you can choose to arrange them: upright, flat and spine down. The safest method is to lie them flat in a box in stacks. If you choose this method, be sure to place heavier books on the bottom and lighter ones on top. When you have sorted through your book collection and have collected the necessary packing supplies, you can finally take the steps to pack them.

Individually wrap any valuable books you have in soft packing paper.

Line the bottom of your boxes with packing paper to further insulate it. This will provide them with extra protection during the move.

Don’t arrange books too tightly. This could cause damage to covers and pages.

Don’t let the pages or covers of different books directly touch each other. To do this, pack one row of books then place a couple of sheets of packing paper over them. Then pack the next row of books.

Fill any large gaps inside your boxes with crumpled pieces of packing paper to eliminate movement.

Place a final sheet of packing paper on the very top of your books. Then close the lid and secure it with tape.

Label your box with a permanent marker.

Safety Rules to Remember

The key to packing books is taking the necessary safety measures to pack and ship them. Avoiding any of the basic rules listed below when packing your books can result in damage.

Keep the weight of a single book-filled box under 40 pounds.

Use small- to medium-sized boxes.

Double tape the seams of your book boxes – even containers that are new.

Place the heaviest books on the bottom of each box.

Use extra care when packing books of value by wrapping them in soft packing paper. You may also want to transport books of high value (first-edition collections, etc.) yourself to ensure they are handled with utmost care.

But first, before you can tackle these steps, be sure to remember that the number one issue when transporting something as heavy and enormous as a hot tub is safety. So take all of the necessary precautions when performing such a risky job.

Once you have planned and prepared to move your hot tub, here are the steps you will need to follow in order to keep this task running smoothly from start to finish.

Step 1: Measure. As you know, hot tubs are very large. Before you even try to move it, you will need to measure it to ensure it will fit in the back of whatever moving truck you decide to use when transporting it to your new home. Be sure to measure all dimensions, for true accuracy.

Step 2: Secure a moving truck. Once you have measured your hot tub, you can go about renting an appropriate moving truck to transport it. A medium-sized truck will most likely be ideal. If the dimensions of your hot tub show that it won’t fit intoyour truck, don’t, under any circumstances, try to make it work. If it won’t fit, it won’t fit – no matter how many ways you try to position it.

Step 3: Inspect the pathway. To make the act of moving your hot tub safer, it’s important to inspect the pathway leading to the moving truck. It should be clear of all obstacles or dangerous spots. Also, check to make sure all openings along the path are wide enough for the tub to fit through safely.

Step 4: Remove the cover. Does your hot tub have a cover? If so, now is the time to remove it. Ignoring this step can cause it to be damaged during transport. If your cover needs to be unscrewed, be sure to keep all screws in a safe place, like a resealable plastic bag. This will make reattaching your cover easier later because all of your supplies will be in one spot.

Step 5: Disconnect the power supply. Hot tubs need electricity to work their magic, so be sure you disconnect it before moving it. Dangling cords are also a big safety risk when transporting your hot tub, making it easy for someone to trip or slip. To keep the power cable safe, wrap it in plastic wrap and store it inside the tub’s storage enclosure that’s located on its side panel.

Step 6: Drain it. A key step not to miss when moving your hot tub is draining it. Believe us, the last thing you want to deal with during a move is a water leak – no matter how big or small it is. To drain your hot tub, it is a good idea to consult your owner’s manual. But for most hot tubs, you can access the water supply line via the side panel. When you access this panel, you can close off the water supply line and let the tub drain fully.

Step 7: Dry it. To further ensure there are no water leaks, securely close the drain cap after your hot tub has drained completely. Then, use towels to dry off any remaining water inside the tub.

Step 8: Move it. All of the previous steps were helping you prepare for this particular step – moving it. This will be one of the toughest parts of the hot-tub-moving process. First, ensure you have all of the necessary supplies. Then, to move your hot tub:

Working as a team, you and your helpers should lift each corner of the hot tub. When lifted, insert one 4”x4” piece of wood beneath each corner. This will elevate your hot tub, keeping it about four inches off the ground.

Once all four pieces of wood are in place, slide a furniture dolly under the front part of the tub. Then, using a second dolly, do the same under the back of the tub. When the hot tub is resting on both dollies, quickly secure the tub to them with straps.

Double-check to ensure the path to the moving truck is clear. Then, begin rolling the hot tub toward the moving truck. Do so slowly and carefully.

When you have reached the back of the moving truck, it is time to load it. Again, use caution. Once inside the truck, leave the dollies beneath the hot tub. To avoid movement during transport, securely tie the hot tub to the side of the truck. For extra protection, cover it with several moving blankets.

Hot tubs. They’re great for providing relaxation, fun and excitement. But when it comes time to move house, a hot tub can go from the ultimate de-stressor to a major stressor really quick. One look at a hot tub and you can conclude that they are big, heavy, and awkwardly shaped – three things that make it a very difficult object to move.

How do you move a hot tub? Can you do it solo or will you require professional help? Should you bother moving it or is it best to leave it behind? For all of your head-scratching questions, we’ve got the answers, so continue reading!

Your Options

When it comes to moving a hot tub from one location to another, there are three main options to consider. Here’s a look at each:

Option 1: Don’t move it. Looking for the easiest way to move a hot tub? Then here it is – don’t move it. It may not be easy to part with your ultimate source of fun and relaxation, but after much thought and consideration, it may turn out to be your best option. When deciding if you should take your hot tub or leave it behind, consider these things:

Moving cost. Every item you take with you from your old home to your new one will increase your final moving bill. Since hot tubs are incredibly heavy and difficult to move, it may cost you a pretty penny to do so. First, get a quote from specialized hot tub movers. Then consider how much the hot tub cost you to purchase. Now think, is moving your hot tub worth it?

Time. The more difficult an object is to move, the more time is required to move it. A hot tub is one possession that will eat up a lot of your moving time. You’ll need to prepare it, load it, transport it, unload it, and reassemble it. Do you have enough time to spare?

Dangers. Some things are easy to move, while some are not. A hot tub is one that is definitely not. You can’t just pick up a hot tub and throw it onto a truck. And there are a lot of dangers that go along with moving it. Hot tubs are extremely heavy – averaging around 800 pounds. This can lead to many dangerous situations, such as costly damage to the hot tub or personal injuries to those who are put in charge of moving it.

Option 2: Hire movers. After serious thought, if you come to the conclusion that you are going to take the necessary steps to take your hot tub with you, then you will need to figure out the best way to do so. Because of the high level of difficulty it will take to move your hot tub, the best choice is to hire professional movers to do it for you. Experienced movers will have the experience and proper equipment to get the job done safely and quickly. Having professionals take care of your hot tub will also free you up so you will have more time to focus on more important tasks.

Option 3: Move it yourself. We can’t stress enough that hiring professionals to move your hot tub for you is the best choice. But if you really insist on moving your hot tub yourself, there are some ways to do it. But you’ll need some things first:

Manpower. Due to its extreme weight, you will need at least four people to complete the challenging job of moving your hot tub. So be sure to secure help from your strongest friends and relatives to get the job done.

Basic knowledge and experience. Before tackling the task of moving your hot tub, you must first prepare and plan for the job ahead. Becoming familiar with how your hot tub is put together, and how it works, are two things that will help you prepare for the main goal – moving it.

As you have learned so far, moving a hot tub takes a lot of time, money and strength. If you plan to move your hot tub yourself, you will need to know how to do so. To learn the necessary steps, continue on to our next blog!

Packing for a move is never fun. Not only does it take lots of sorting and organizing, but it’s also very time-consuming. So what do you do when you are only given a few days to have your entire home packed and ready for a move? Your first instinct will be to panic. Defeating thoughts like, “There’s no way!” will zip through your head at rapid speed. But wait just a second. Take a deep breath and tamp down the panic. When pressed for time and faced with such a laborious and time-consuming task, your first step is to take advantage of that time. Although time is not in your favor, there are ways to expand it in order to accomplish everything on your moving to-do list. Check out the fast packing tips below to learn how to pack for a move in just a few days.

Basic Tips for Quick Packing

As soon as you push aside that initial panic of having to move house in just a few days, you can focus on the task at hand – packing. And packing quickly. But how? Here are some proven packing tips to abide by when moving in a hurry:

Start immediately. When there’s a very limited amount of time until moving day, your best bet to get everything done in time is to start packing immediately. When every second counts, avoiding procrastination and other delays is the key to success.

Leave things behind. Packing is time-consuming, and the more belongings you have to pack, the longer the process will take. To save some much-needed time, limit the number of items you have to pack. Not only will time be saved, but money will, too, because your final moving cost will be lower.

Know what not to pack. Professional movers transport a lot of items. But there are some they do not. Before your movers show up, go ahead and get a list of the non-allowable items. This way you won’t waste time and supplies packing something you’ll be forced to leave behind.

Create a packing schedule. You may think that taking the time to create a packing schedule will only waste the limited time you have, but the opposite is actually true. By spending some extra time to create a detailed packing schedule, you will save time when you start packing. Instead of packing random items in a random manner, a detailed timeline will provide you with a reliable guide that will keep you focused, motivated and well-organized from start to finish.

Get enough packing supplies. It’s impossible to pack your belongings without the appropriate supplies. So when collecting your materials, be sure to get everything you need in one trip. This will eliminate wasted time by having to stop packing to go purchase more supplies.

Get help from family and friends. Moving is a huge job that requires a lot of helping hands. Packing for a move that’s just a few days away … well, that requires even more help. To ensure you meet your moving deadline, ask for assistance from family and friends. A bonus is that it will provide you with the opportunity to spend more time together before the move.

Detailed Tips for Quick Packing

Now that you know the basics of how to pack quickly, here are more details on how to shed even more time off your packing timeline.

Have everything ready. Before you even begin the process of packing up your home, it is a good idea to already have everything set up and ready. To do this, create a packing station. At your station, keep all items in one spot. This way, you won’t waste time running around hunting down supplies. Clutter will slow down your packing progress, so try and keep your station clean and organized to achieve optimal time.

Leave drawers full. When it’s time to pack items in dressers and chests, your initial instinct is probably to empty all drawers and cabinets. But doing this requires a lot of time emptying the drawers and cabinets, and organizing and packing all the content. Here’s a tip: Before opening a single drawer or cabinet, stop and leave everything as is. Leaving your drawers full will save a lot of time during a fast-paced move.

Just make sure:

The furniture piece is not too heavy to lift or carry when items are left inside;

You secure all doors and/or drawers so they don’t open during transport.

Use rolling suitcases. If you own any rolling suitcases, put them to use while packing because they make the perfect place to hold a number of heavy belongings. One thing, for instance, is books. With their wheels and handle, you can easily transport your books without putting a strain on your back. It will also save some of your precious cardboard moving boxes so they can be used for other items.

Use resealable plastic bags. Organizing small items requires a great deal of time – time you can’t afford to spare when packing in a hurry. In order to save time and keep small items in one spot, resealable plastic bags are a great thing to have on hand.

Important Tip

When time is of the essence, you, of course, want to cut corners. But one task you should absolutely spend extra seconds on is labeling your moving boxes. This will help keep the packing process much more organized and will save you mountains of trouble post-move.

Some decisions in life are easy, like what to eat for lunch or what to watch on TV. Some decisions, on the other hand, are not so simple. One, in particular, is moving house. The process of moving house is filled with levels of stress-inducing situations, puzzling complexities, and also confusion. So before you decide to go through such an ordeal, it’s important to thoroughly consider all aspects of a move before committing to it.

To help finalize your decision on whether or not to move house, there are many important questions to ask yourself. By asking yourself questions, and finding answers to them, you will get a much clearer picture of the moving adventure ahead of you, and it will also make the whole moving process easier. So what questions should you ask? Continue reading to find out!

Question #2: Can I afford to move? Moving isn’t cheap. In fact, after buying supplies, putting down deposits, and hiring movers, it can cost quite a lot. With this said, it makes sense that a crucial question to ask yourself is whether you can afford to move. So be sure to set up a moving budget to see how your finances look before you get into a tough situation.

Question #3: Can I handle a DIY move?

A DIY move can be a great way to save some money – especially for a small or local move. But there are some things to consider first. A self-move can be risky for safety and financial reasons, so ask yourself these questions before committing to organizing and executing a move all by yourself:

Do I have any previous moving experience?

Do I have friends or family I can rely on helping me on moving day?

Am I moving a short distance?

Am I moving only non-specialty items that I can handle myself?

If you answered yes to these questions, then you may be able to tackle a DIY move.

Question #4: Should I hire a professional moving company?

Whether or not you should hire a professional moving company is your own personal choice, but there are a number of reasons to do it. For example, if you don’t have much time until moving day, or if you are unable to gather enough reliable friends or family to help you out, then trusting professional movers is your best bet for a trouble-free move. It is also a good idea to entrust your valuable and specialty items to movers who have experience in moving such items. This is especially true when moving a long distance, where your belongings have a large risk of becoming damaged.

Question #5: What do I do until moving day?

So what exactly should you be doing from the time you decide to move until moving day arrives? The obvious answer is packing, of course. But there is much more to tackle and accomplish. You will need to organize all of your belongings, find and secure a new place to live, gather packing and moving supplies, and more! A great way to ensure an efficient move is to create a packing and moving checklist. This will help keep things under control and your stress level down.

Question #6: What packing supplies do I need so I can pack on my own?

If you decide to pack your belongings yourself, then you will need to collect the necessary packing supplies. Before gathering your supplies, first consider what items you will need to pack. Common packing materials you will need to ensure your possessions are well-protected during your move include:

To help save some money, be sure to look around your home for any packing and moving supplies you may already have. It is also a good idea to check with friends or businesses that may have supplies you need.

For all you need to know for your upcoming move, check out our blog or contact us for more information.

If you are planning to move house, there are many ways in which it can negatively affect the environment. And during a time when the effects of climate change are all around us, many are opting to take matters into their own hands in order to decrease their carbon footprint and make the world a greener place. To find out what you can do to help make your move more environmentally friendly, here are some helpful tips to consider.

Use Smart Supplies

Moving house requires many supplies, from boxes and packing paper to tape, labels and dollies. On average, a single move can take up to 60 cardboard boxes. This is the equivalent of a half-ton tree. Considering that the typical American moves around 11 times in his/her lifetime, this equals a major number of trees cut down for the production of moving boxes. One good thing about cardboard boxes is that, depending on their quality, they can be used 3 to 10 times before needing to be recycled. If you want your move to be more eco-friendly, there are some alternatives to cardboard boxes – as well as other traditional packing supplies. Check these out:

Recycled Plastic Bins. Reusable plastic bins are an excellent alternative to cardboard moving boxes. They are easy to find, aren’t too expensive, and can be reused time and time again. Whether used for small items or large, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be used during your move as well as after for storage purposes.

Biodegradable Supplies. Bubble wrap is cheap and protective – two qualities that are greatly efficient during a move. Unfortunately, it’s not the most eco-friendly packing supply. For greener options, opt for packing peanuts and foam wrap. Green packing peanuts (they really are green in color!) are made from bio-plastics, which is a form of plastic derived from renewable sources such as vegetable oil or corn starch. While they may be made from difference resources, they are just as efficient to protect your belongings during a move.

Be Creative. One of the most resourceful ways to securely pack your belongings, save money on supplies, and also be eco-friendly is to use items that you can find in your home. For example, towels, bedding, and clothing can be used to wrap breakables.

Shipping and Fuel Options

The more further your relocation is, how much stuff you have, the size of your moving truck, as well as the way you drive all play a prominent role in the amount of fuel you will require to move from point A to point B. Not only is this costly to your budget, but also to the environment.

According to carbon dioxide calculations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), depending on the size of your moving truck:

A small truck used for a short-distance move (under 10 miles) can emit 22 pounds of CO2, while a large truck used for a long-distance move can emit up to 40 pounds.

A cross-country move of 3,000 miles in a small truck can emit 6,500 pounds of CO2, while the same cross-country move in a large truck can emit close to twice that, at 11,760 pounds.

Whether your relocation will take you nearby or far away, here are some green options to consider:

Biodiesel Fuel. If renting a truck from a moving company, find out if they offer trucks that run on biodiesel fuel, which is a greener alternative to standard gasoline.

Ship Car Via Train. If you need to transport a car during your move, consider doing so via train. Compared to using a truck service to ship your car to your new location, using a train service will save four times more fuel.

Lighten Your Load. Another way to make your move more environmentally friendly is to relocate fewer items. The less stuff you have to ship, the smaller the truck you will need. The result? Less spent on fuel and less CO2 pumped into the atmosphere. To lighten your load, de-clutter, donate and sell any items you will no longer need post-move.

New Habits Post-Move

Striving to make your relocation eco-friendly doesn’t just involve pre-move tasks – it also includes your post-move habits. For instance, once in your new home, it is a good idea to get into the habit of saving energy, creating less waste, and recycling in your everyday life. Here are some things you can do to stay green after your move:

Change Light Bulbs. Instead of using incandescent light bulbs around your home, opt for LED (light-emitting diodes) lights. Though a bit more costly, LEDs last at least twice as long and also don’t contain mercury.

Stop Air Leaks. Every time you use your air conditioner or heater in your new home, it costs money. To get the most of these services, it’s a good idea to stop any air leaks under doorways, window panels, and out of the roof.

Unplug. Leaving things plugged in when not in use is an easy way to increase your power bill and your carbon footprint. To counter this, unplug all appliances, electronics and phone chargers when not in use.

Install Solar Panels. Solar panels are a great way to generate renewable energy. They may require a large investment up front, but they will definitely pay off in the long run, providing renewable energy without the burden of electricity bills.